About the University
Founded in 1884, as the ‘University College of North Wales’, Bangor University has a long tradition of excellence and exceeds expectations, both for academic standards and student experience. The University currently has over 11,000 students and over 650 teaching staff based in 13 Academic Schools grouped into three Colleges.
Bangor University is in the top 40 in the UK for research according to the latest assessment of research quality, the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014. The REF recognised that more than three-quarters of Bangor's research is either world-leading or internationally excellent, ahead of the average for UK universities. Over half of Bangor’s academic Schools have been ranked in the UK top 20 for quality of research. Bangor University research is having a positive impact around the world in diverse areas such as improving healthcare and wellbeing, ensuring food security internationally and closer to home, and protecting the environment.
Recent significant increases in student satisfaction and teaching standards have resulted in the securing of a top ten position in the 2018 National Student Survey, confirming our position as top in Wales. This achievement is due to a strategic emphasis on improving teaching and the student experience at Bangor, including initiatives to work in partnership with students and engage them even more directly in the University; together with continued improvements in the evaluation of teaching.
The University remains committed to the formation of beneficial strategic relationships in the region. Particular emphasis is being given to developing our relationships with the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and Grwp Llandrillo Menai in addition to the continued commitment to the well-established strategic alliance with Aberystwyth University.
The University has over 1700 students from outside the EU and we are continuing to develop strategic partnerships overseas. These partnerships will ensure the flow of international students to Bangor University, and the resulting fee income, as traditional markets remain challenging.
As an international University for the region, the University continues to remain rooted in the local community. Increasing opportunities to widen access to Higher Education remains a priority for the University, as does remaining committed to the development and strengthening of Welsh medium research and teaching and enhancing the use of Welsh in the University and the region.
Bangor University is unique. It is both the most international of Welsh universities, as evidenced in international leagues tables, but is also remains the most Welsh of Welsh universities, as evidenced by our Welsh medium provision. In this context, the University’s strategic plan for the period 2015-2020 sets out a strategic direction for Bangor University as a confident and successful university, which is able to think differently to identify challenges, risks and opportunities. A link to the plan is available below.
Further information about the University can be found here: https://www.bangor.ac.uk/about/
The Council
The Council is the governing body of the University, responsible for the finance, property, investments and general business of the University and for setting the general strategic direction of the institution. Further information on the role of the Council is provided in the Guide to Council members below.
The Council, like that of all chartered Universities, is constituted with a majority of independent members who are not staff or students of the University. Its members include the Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice-Chancellors and other members appointed by the staff of the University, student representatives and independent members. The Chair of Council is Mrs Marian Wyn Jones.
University governing bodies are entrusted with funds, both public and private, and therefore have a particular duty to observe the highest standards of corporate governance. This includes ensuring and demonstrating integrity and objectively in the transaction of their business, and wherever possible following a policy of openness and transparency in their decision-making. Applicants should have the ability to take an independent and objective role and a willingness to contribute fully to discussion on all aspects of the work of the University.
The University’s Council meets five times per year. The Council has a number of sub-committees; Audit & Risk; Nominations & Governance; Finance & Resources, Ethics, Health & Safety, Bilingualism; Remuneration; Redundancy and Honorary Degrees and successful candidates will be invited to serve on one of these committees. Council members’ support at University events, such as, graduation ceremonies, and other public events may also be requested on occasion.
Skills Knowledge and Experience
The Nominations and Governance Committee considers the range of skills, knowledge and experience required to ensure that is balance across the Council. Following a recent skills audit, the Council are particularly seeking members with property, finance, marketing and legal skills as well as those with international experience or recent experience of Higher Education. However, applications from people with other skills, knowledge and experience are also welcomed.
The University and Council encourage, support and value diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. The Council is particularly keen to ensure that it’s Council closely reflects the student body and is keen to seek applications from currently under-represented groups such as individuals with a disability women, ethnic minorities and those with other protected characteristics. Applications are welcomed from all ages to address the current age profile of the Council.
Enthusiasm and an interest in higher education are key requirements and ideally applicants should have board level experience or held senior positions within their workplace. A document explaining the role and responsibilities of a Council member can be accessed via the link below.
The role of independent members is similar to that of non-executive directors of companies, and requires a commitment of around 10-12 days per year. The posts are not remunerated but the University will pay reasonable travel expenses.
If you wish to apply, please submit your CV with the short application form including a personal statement summarising the reasons for your interest and what you would bring to the role.
Please submit you application by 31st March 2020.
Hopefully the links below will provide further information, but if you would like to discuss the role, please contact:
Dr Kevin Mundy, University Secretary – 01248 382776, k.mundy@bangor.ac.uk.
Key Documents
A list of key documentation can be access on the following links: